What should you know about intense ear pain after swimming?

Water can soften and irritate the skin of the ear canal, allowing inflammation or an outer-ear infection to develop. Pain when the outer ear is touched or pulled supports canal irritation, while discharge, itching or reduced hearing may also occur. Earwax Buildup can trap water and muffle sound. A Middle Ear Infection, Common Cold, Sinusitis or Tonsillitis can cause deeper ear pain through pressure or connected areas, even when swimming was only the timing of notice.

Keep the ear dry and let water drain naturally by tilting your head. Wipe only the outside. Do not insert cotton buds, fingers or objects, and do not use leftover drops if the eardrum may be damaged or a clinician has not advised them. A pharmacist or clinician can recommend suitable pain relief. If wax is blocking hearing, professional Ear Wax Removal may be safer than home probing. Antibiotic Treatment is needed only for selected infections.

Arrange an examination for intense pain, discharge, hearing loss, swelling, fever, dizziness or symptoms that do not settle after keeping the ear dry. Seek urgent care for sudden major hearing loss, severe dizziness, facial weakness, swelling behind the ear, or a very unwell child. People with diabetes or reduced immunity should seek advice promptly for significant ear pain.

Ask whether the canal or middle ear is affected; whether the eardrum is intact; which drops and pain relief are safe; whether wax needs removal; and when swimming can safely resume.